asked the Minister for Health the number of complaints, if any, he has received in the past year regarding conditions at St. Ita's Mental Hospital, Portrane, County Dublin; and if his Department have investigated these complaints.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Mental Hospital.
3.
A total of five such complaints were received of which four related to minor matters. Four complaints have been investigated and the fifth is at present being investigated.
Has any member of the Minister's Department been out to visit St. Ita's Mental Hospital?
Yes. We had a recent inspection in connection with a serious complaint.
Did the Minister receive a report on the conditions at St. Ita's Hospital?
Of course, the Deputy knows that there is now a special programme manager for community services for the Eastern Health Board and I am sure he will give co-operation, as well as other members of the Health Board, in relation to a solution of the problem of St. Ita's Hospital. As the Deputy knows, the mental health services in the Eastern Health Board area are being re-organised. We are awaiting a proposal for the solution of the outdated building of St. Ita's. If the Deputy inquires from the Eastern Health Board I think he will find that the proposal is nearing finalisation but nothing has come to my Department. When it comes it will be very sympathetically examined.
What does the Minister consider would be a solution?
Either the replacement of the building or else the reorganisation of services and the possible use of another building.